ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix’s earnings touch $732.22 million

New Delhi: The government has informed Rajya Sabha that Antrix, the commercial wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has generated earnings of $732.22 million since 1992 by offering various services. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Department of Space in a written response shared this information.

Antrix renders various services, including leasing of satellite transponders on-board INSAT/GSAT satellites and marketing and direct reception of data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellites to global and national clients.

Last month, Department of Space had asked Antrix to acquire additional transponder capacity from from global satellite operators MEASAT and Thai-Comm for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to ensure adequate telecom coverage in Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep islands.

In future, Antrix is planning to expand the direct reception of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites to national and global clients. It also plans to acquire additional lease contracts of satellite transponders to Indian customers besides upping its launch services for foreign satellites on-board Indian launch vehicles. ISRO has to date launched 40 such satellites from 19 countries and have generated US$ 17.17 million and 50.47 million Euros.